They both drifted off in that same position, as if it could shield them from the world.

Two hours later Celina woke first. The late-afternoon light was already spilling gently into the room. Her heart beat slowly, in rhythm with his. She gazed at Thor’s sleeping face for long minutes, taking in every detail: the faintly furrowed brows as if, even asleep, he carried the weight of too many worries; the strong jaw; the deep, steady breathing.

When he stirred with a soft sigh, she nestled closer, like a child finding shelter in a warm embrace, and closed her eyes again, breathing in his scent.

Thor woke around six. He opened his eyes slowly, trying to orient himself. The light weight of Celina against his chest still held him in a peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. He reached for his phone on the nightstand, saw the time, and sat up carefully.

“Celina…” he whispered, running his fingers through her hair.

She didn’t answer, only curled tighter with a low murmur.

“Hey, sweetheart… if you